_A couch with curtains, L. The
principal entrance to the tent is at the back. Secondary entrances in
the hangings, L. and R._
TIME: _The same morning, later._
Bagoas _and his attendant are unveiling_ Judith.
BAGOAS. Animal, wouldst thou dare to behold that which is thy lord's?
Leave the last veil, and away with thee.
FIRST ATTENDANT. Yea, mightiness!
(_Exit back with the veils already removed from_ Judith.)
BAGOAS. Queen of the night of Holofernes!
JUDITH (_through the veil_). Mighty Bagoas!
BAGOAS. The Prince comes to look upon you in his tent.
JUDITH. Mighty Bagoas, deign to answer a question I will put.
BAGOAS. Deign to ask, lady, and my humility shall answer; for your
beauty has blinded Holofernes this day and he is your captive, and his
servant is your servant, and there is no law in the camps of the
Assyrians save your glance. (_He makes a covert gesture of half-amused
resentful resignation_.)
JUDITH. Nebuchadnezzar is your god? Is it not so, Bagoas?
BAGOAS. Nebuchadnezzar is henceforward the god of the Assyrians and of
all the lands which their spears conquer. It is an official order.
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